Members of socialist party Polo Democratica (PDA) argued for the removal of suspended Bogota mayor Samuel Moreno and his brother Senator Ivan Moreno from their party Thursday.
Congressman Luis Carlos Avellanada announced that he would file a request with the executive committee of his party for the removal of both brothers on ethical grounds as both are currently the target of a criminal corruption investigation.
Avellanada noted that “the investigations of the supervisory bodies and other branches of government, especially the prosecutors, have alleged criminal liability on both Samuel and Ivan Moreno, so I think the party’s decision should be the removal of them both.”
Many members of the party’s senior leadership joined Avellanada in calling for the removal of the Moreno brothers. “I think Dr. Avellanada should request their removal,” said Jaime Dussan, the former president of the PDA. “They have not acted as members, but as enemies of the party.”
The Moreno brothers removal will require support from most of the members of the PDA, which already has suspended the Moreno brothers.
In October 2010, Samuel Moreno was implicated in a corruption scandal and was accused of taking commissions for public contracts. Moreno allegedly extorted construction companies for $2.8 million during his tenure as mayor of Bogota. HIs brother Ivan is similarly under investigation for corruption charges.